Few names are as closely connected to Machu Picchu as Hiram Bingham. Although the Inca citadel had been known by local families for generations, Bingham’s expedition in 1911 brought this extraordinary archaeological site to international attention, transforming it into one of the world’s most celebrated travel destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, the name Hiram Bingham represents more than a historical figure; it also symbolises one of Peru’s most exclusive travel experiences, the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train, a luxury railway journey that recreates the elegance of the early twentieth century while travelling through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Whether you’re drawn by history, archaeology, or luxury holidays in Peru, this guide covers who Hiram Bingham III really was, how his expedition changed Peruvian tourism forever, and everything you need to know about the luxury train that carries his name from what’s included and the price to how it compares with Vistadome and Expedition, and how to book it.
Who Was Hiram Bingham III?
Hiram Bingham III was an American explorer, historian, professor, and politician whose name became permanently linked with Machu Picchu after his expedition to Peru in 1911. Born on 19 November 1875 in Honolulu, Hawaii, he developed a strong interest in history and exploration from an early age, later studying at Yale University and Harvard University, with an academic focus on Latin American history that made him one of the leading researchers of his generation.
Although he later served as a United States senator and governor of Connecticut, his greatest international recognition came from his work in the Peruvian Andes, leading the Yale Peruvian Expedition that inspired decades of archaeological research across the former Inca Empire.
| Fact | Information |
| Full Name | Hiram Bingham III |
| Born | 19 November 1875 |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Explorer, historian, professor, politician |
| Famous For | Bringing Machu Picchu to international attention |
| University | Yale University |
| Expedition | Yale Peruvian Expedition |
| Year of Machu Picchu Expedition | 1911 |
The Search for the Lost Cities of the Incas
At the beginning of the twentieth century, historians believed several important Inca cities remained hidden in the Peruvian Andes. Inspired by chronicles written after the Spanish conquest, Bingham organised an ambitious expedition to investigate but his original objective wasn’t Machu Picchu at all. He was hoping to find Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca rulers who resisted Spanish domination in the sixteenth century.
While travelling through the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River valley, Bingham received information from local farmers about ancient stone ruins hidden high in the mountains. On 24 July 1911, guided by local residents including the farmer Melchor Arteaga he climbed the steep mountain paths until he reached the remarkable stone city now known as Machu Picchu. The terraces, temples, stairways, and finely carved granite buildings immediately convinced him he had encountered one of South America’s most significant archaeological sites.
Did Hiram Bingham Really Discover Machu Picchu?
This is one of the most debated and most searched questions in Peruvian history, and the answer is more nuanced than many people assume. Long before Bingham arrived, Indigenous families had lived and farmed around the mountain and knew about the ruins; several historical documents even suggest explorers and missionaries had heard about the site decades earlier.
What Bingham did do was become the first person to document Machu Picchu through systematic archaeological research, detailed photography, scientific mapping, and international publications. Thanks to articles published in National Geographic Magazine, Machu Picchu quickly gained worldwide recognition, inspiring future expeditions and helping establish Peru as a leading cultural tourism destination. For this reason, historians generally describe Bingham as the explorer who introduced Machu Picchu to the world, rather than the first person ever to see it.
Why Is Hiram Bingham Still Important Today?
More than a century after his expedition, Hiram Bingham continues to influence tourism in Peru. His research encouraged further archaeological investigation throughout the Andes and helped preserve one of humanity’s greatest cultural treasures and his legacy lives on quite literally through the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train, named in his honour, which carries travellers to Machu Picchu in a style that echoes the spirit of early twentieth-century exploration.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham Train: Peru’s Most Luxurious Railway Journey
For travellers seeking an unforgettable experience, the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu represents the highest level of luxury rail travel in South America. Unlike standard train services, it recreates the glamour of the golden age of rail travel, polished wooden interiors, attentive onboard staff, and a level of elegance that makes the journey itself an essential part of the adventure, not simply a means of reaching Machu Picchu. For many European travellers, this experience ranks alongside iconic rail journeys such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or the Royal Scotsman.
As the train travels through the Sacred Valley, passengers enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, ancient agricultural terraces, colourful villages, and the winding Urubamba River exceptional photography opportunities throughout the trip, paired with spacious seating, personalised attention, gourmet gastronomy, and live entertainment from departure to arrival.
What Is Included on the Hiram Bingham Train?
Nearly every aspect of the journey is included in a single package, generally covering:
- Luxury train journey between Cusco (Poroy station) and Aguas Calientes
- Welcome reception before boarding
- Elegant vintage-style Pullman carriages
- Gourmet multi-course lunch (outbound) and dinner (return)
- Premium Peruvian wines, cocktails, and selected beverages
- Afternoon tea
- Live Andean music and traditional dance performances
- An open-air observation carriage
- Bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (depending on the selected package)
- A professional bilingual guide on selected departures
Always double-check inclusions before confirming a reservation, as exact packages can vary slightly by season and operator.
Inside the Train
The train features beautifully restored Pullman-style carriages inspired by 1920s elegance, split across a few distinct spaces:
- Dining Car: gourmet menus inspired by Peru’s internationally acclaimed cuisine, using seasonal ingredients and paired with carefully selected premium wines widely considered one of the finest culinary experiences on any railway in South America.
- Bar Car: an excellent selection of cocktails, premium spirits, champagne, and wines, with professional bartenders preparing signature Peruvian cocktails while live musicians set the mood.
- Observation Car: perhaps the most popular spot onboard an open-air carriage where passengers can admire panoramic Andes views and photograph the landscape as the train follows the Urubamba River toward the cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu.
Route and Journey Time
The Hiram Bingham Train departs from Cusco, travels through the Sacred Valley alongside the Urubamba River, and arrives in Aguas Calientes, where a bus transfer completes the trip up to Machu Picchu.
The rail journey itself typically takes around three and a half hours each way, while the full day including transfers and a guided visit to the citadel generally lasts an entire day. Along this scenic route, travellers move through several ecological zones, from the high Andes to the lush cloud forest.
Hiram Bingham Train Price
The Hiram Bingham Train price varies depending on the travel season, whether you book one-way or round-trip, included entrance tickets and guided tours, special holiday departures, private arrangements, and availability at the time of booking. Because seats are limited especially during the European summer holidays, Christmas, and Easter booking several months in advance is highly recommended, both for better availability and for access to preferred travel dates.
Hiram Bingham Train vs Vistadome vs Expedition
Travellers often compare the three main train services to Machu Picchu before booking:
| Feature | Hiram Bingham Train | Vistadome Train | Expedition Train |
| Luxury Level | Five-star luxury experience | Four-star comfort experience | Three-star standard experience |
| Panoramic Windows | Full panoramic windows throughout the train | Large panoramic windows | Standard windows with partial panoramic views |
| Dining Experience | Gourmet multi-course meals included | Light snacks and beverages available | No dining service included |
| Open-Air Observation Car | Yes, available throughout the journey | Available only on selected departures | Not available |
| Live Entertainment | Live music and cultural performances onboard | Live entertainment on selected departures | No live entertainment |
| Bar Service | Premium bar with cocktails, wines, and spirits | Limited beverage service | No bar service |
| Recommended Dress Code | Smart casual or elegant attire | Casual clothing | Casual clothing |
| Best For | Luxury holidays, honeymoon trips, special occasions, and premium travel experiences | Travellers looking for comfort, scenic views, and good value | Budget-conscious travellers seeking the most economical option |
The Expedition train suits travellers looking for an affordable, no-frills option. Vistadome offers larger panoramic windows and a comfortable middle-ground experience. The Hiram Bingham Train delivers the most complete luxury experience, combining elegant interiors with exceptional hospitality and exclusive onboard services.
How to Get to Machu Picchu: All Your Options
Understanding how to get to Machu Picchu helps put the Hiram Bingham experience in context. There is no road access to the citadel; every visitor arrives either by train followed by a short bus ride, or on foot via a multi-day trek. For most travellers researching Machu Picchu tours, the train is the most convenient and time-efficient option. PeruRail and Inca Rail operate several services to Machu Picchu, ranging from budget-friendly and panoramic trains to premium luxury experiences. Among them, the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train, operated by PeruRail, offers the most exclusive journey. The main train categories include:
- Expedition Train: The most affordable option, with partial panoramic windows and no dining service.
- Vistadome: Mid-range comfort with large panoramic windows and light snacks, a popular pick for travellers who want a scenic but budget-conscious train to Machu Picchu.
- Vistadome Observatory: An upgraded Vistadome tier with glass-domed ceilings for extended views.
- Belmond Hiram Bingham Train: the first class train to Machu Picchu, and widely considered the best train to Machu Picchu for travellers who want the journey itself to be part of the holiday.
For hikers, the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and several other trekking routes reach Machu Picchu on foot over multiple days, offering a completely different and considerably more physically demanding way to experience the same destination. Whichever option you choose, all routes converge at Aguas Calientes (or, for trekkers, directly at the citadel gates), where a short shuttle bus completes the final ascent to the entrance.
Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets and Circuits
Whichever train or trekking route brings you there, you’ll still need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, since daily visitor numbers are limited by Peru’s Ministry of Culture. Tickets are sold by specific circuit and entry time, and add-on hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require a separate, limited-availability ticket booked well in advance.
For travellers combining their visit with the Hiram Bingham Train, it’s worth booking the Machu Picchu tickets for the same date and, ideally, a similar time window as your train departure, so your Machu Picchu itinerary flows smoothly from the train, to the bus, to the guided tour of the citadel, without long gaps waiting around Aguas Calientes.
- Dry season (May to September): sunny days, excellent visibility, and ideal photography conditions also the busiest season, attracting the most visitors from Europe and North America.
- Shoulder season (April and October): widely considered the sweet spot between pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Green season (November to March): the surrounding mountains turn vibrant and lush after seasonal rains; occasional showers occur, but the scenery is particularly striking.
What Should You Wear?
There’s no strict formal dress code, but smart casual clothing is strongly recommended to match the train’s refined atmosphere. Good options include elegant trousers or chinos, dresses or smart skirts, polo or button-down shirts, blazers or lightweight jackets, and comfortable leather shoes or smart trainers. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, hiking boots during dinner service, or very casual beach clothing; comfortable walking shoes are best saved for exploring Machu Picchu itself afterward.
How to Book and When
Since the Hiram Bingham Train has limited seating, reserving three to six months ahead is recommended, and even earlier if you’re travelling during the European summer, Christmas, or Easter. A few practical tips to make booking smoother:
- Secure your Machu Picchu entrance ticket at the same time as your train ticket, and confirm your preferred circuit before purchasing.
- Choose a morning departure for the best mountain light and photography.
- Book Cusco accommodation well in advance, and consider adding a Sacred Valley stop to your itinerary beforehand.
- Work with a trusted Peru travel specialist to coordinate tickets, transfers, and guiding into one seamless plan.
Sample 4-Day Luxury Itinerary Including the Hiram Bingham Train
- Day 1 – Cusco: Acclimatise while exploring the Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, and Qorikancha.
- Day 2 – Sacred Valley: Visit Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, staying overnight in the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
- Day 3 – Belmond Hiram Bingham Train: Board the luxury train for gourmet dining, live music, and panoramic scenery en route to Machu Picchu, explored with a professional guide before the return journey.
- Day 4 – Cusco: Visit Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay to round out the trip.
Things to Do in Cusco Before or After the Train
Since most Hiram Bingham departures start from Cusco, it’s worth building in time to explore the city itself, one of the most popular answers to things to do in Cusco before or after your luxury train day.
Highlights include the Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral, the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the massive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán just outside the city, the artisan neighbourhood of San Blas, and the lively San Pedro Market. Cusco also makes an excellent base for cusco tours into the surrounding Sacred Valley, whether as a day trip or an overnight stay before boarding the train.
Luxury Hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
A luxury Peru itinerary built around the Hiram Bingham Train is often paired with equally memorable accommodation. In Cusco, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century monastery with vaulted ceilings and courtyard gardens, while the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is a remodelled Inca-era palace with private plunge pools in many suites. In the Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is the only five-star hotel with its own private train station, and Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado offers a tranquil riverside setting near Ollantaytambo.
Staying at any of these properties as part of a luxury Sacred Valley tour turns the days surrounding your Hiram Bingham journey into part of the experience, not just a stopover.
Extending Your Trip: Best Places to Visit in Peru
Machu Picchu is very often the highlight of a Peru vacation package, but it’s rarely the whole story. Travellers researching the best places to visit in Peru frequently extend their Peru travel guide itinerary to include:
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) the striped, high-altitude peak that has become one of Peru’s most photographed natural wonders.
- Humantay Lake a turquoise glacial lake beneath the Salkantay mountain range.
- Lake Titicaca, near Puno — the highest navigable lake in the world, home to the floating Uros Islands.
- Colca Canyon, near Arequipa — one of the deepest canyons on Earth, famous for its Andean condors.
- The Peruvian Amazon — accessible from Cusco via Puerto Maldonado, offering luxury eco-lodges and extraordinary biodiversity.
- Lima — Peru’s culinary capital and the arrival point for most international flights.
Combining several of these destinations with the Hiram Bingham Train is one of the most popular ways to build a complete luxury travel Peru itinerary that goes well beyond a single day at the citadel.
Sustainable Tourism and Bingham’s Legacy
The growing popularity of Hiram Bingham Machu Picchu has also raised awareness of responsible tourism. Visitor numbers today are carefully managed to protect the archaeological site and its fragile mountain environment, and travellers can do their part by keeping to marked pathways, following park regulations, avoiding litter, supporting local communities, and choosing environmentally responsible tour operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Hiram Bingham the discoverer of Machu Picchu?
Not exactly, local Indigenous families already knew the site. Bingham was the first to document it through systematic archaeological research and international publications, earning him recognition as the explorer who introduced Machu Picchu to the world.
Is the Hiram Bingham Train worth it?
For travellers who want the journey itself to be a highlight not just transportation most say yes. It combines luxury, gourmet dining, live entertainment, and panoramic scenery in a way no other Machu Picchu train service matches, making it especially popular for honeymoons and anniversary trips.
How much does the Hiram Bingham Train cost?
Pricing depends on season, direction (one-way vs round-trip), included entrance tickets and guides, and availability. Booking months ahead generally secures better rates and preferred dates.
Is food included?
Yes, a gourmet multi-course lunch on the outbound journey and dinner on the return, along with premium beverages and afternoon tea.
Can children travel on the Hiram Bingham Train?
Yes, families are welcome, though the train is especially popular with couples and adult travellers seeking a quieter luxury experience. Parents should check age recommendations and available services when booking.
Can I visit Machu Picchu without the Hiram Bingham Train?
Absolutely the Expedition train, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, the Inca Trail, Short Inca Trail, and the Salkantay Trek are all valid ways to reach Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham Train simply offers the most luxurious way to make the journey.
What is the Hiram Bingham Train schedule?
The train typically operates from Poroy station near Cusco from May through December, with a modified schedule and bus transfer during the rainy season (January–April) when the direct rail route is affected by weather. Exact departure times vary by day and season, so it’s best to confirm current schedules when booking.
Is the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train the best luxury train in Peru?
Among the trains serving the Cusco–Machu Picchu corridor, yes it’s widely regarded as the top choice for travellers seeking the best luxury train in Peru. For those extending their trip further afield, the Belmond Andean Explorer, a luxury sleeper train connecting Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa, is another standout option worth considering as part of a broader luxury travel South America itinerary.
What do past guests say about the Hiram Bingham Train?
Reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google consistently highlight the onboard dining, the live music, and the observation car as trip highlights we’d encourage you to check current guest reviews directly on those platforms for the most up-to-date, verified feedback before booking.
Final Thoughts
The story of Hiram Bingham continues to inspire travellers more than a century after his famous expedition. Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, passionate about history, or dreaming of an unforgettable luxury holiday, travelling aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train lets you follow in the footsteps of one of history’s most influential explorers while enjoying world-class hospitality through the Sacred Valley and on to Machu Picchu.
Plan Your Journey with Machu Picchu Peru Tours
At Machu Picchu Peru Tours, we specialise in tailor-made journeys across Peru whether that means the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train, the Sacred Valley, Cusco’s rich heritage, or destinations like Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and the Peruvian Amazon. Explore our travel guides for more expert advice, and reach out to our team to design the perfect luxury itinerary for your trip to Peru.
